Downtown Sioux Falls discontinuing trolley

Citing a lack of funding and support, Downtown Sioux Falls Inc. is no longer operating a trolley service.

The downtown organization began taking over the service four years ago when the city phased it out. The city owns the trolleys, and DTSF has funded and marketed the service. Stellar Limousine was contracted to run it.

DTSF said it tried to partner with other organizations but had only limited success. A $1 fare covered less than 20 percent of operating costs. The rest was funded through pledges and the Main Street Business Improvement District.

“The trolley is such a beloved part of downtown Sioux Falls, which made this decision difficult. When DTSF has to reinvent the funding model each year for the trolley and still deliver valuable programs and services for our downtown stakeholders, something had to give,” said DTSF president Joe Batcheller.

Funds used for the trolley service will be “redirected to other areas that have greater impact and value for downtown businesses, property owners and residents,” the organization said.

“Ultimately, it didn’t make sense for DTSF to be in the transportation and tour business. There are other organizations that specialize in that work that could operate the trolley as a unique visitor experience, like you see in other cities, such as Nashville or Anchorage,” Batcheller said.

If a third party restarted the service, DTSF would help promote it. Anyone interested in re-establishing the service should contact the city’s transportation planner, Sam Trebilcock, at 605-367-8890 or strebilcock@siouxfalls.org.